Book 01: Sect. 01: Ch. 09: Obedience and Subjection

Scout · #1 Aug 17, '05, 2:15 pm

Ch 9: Obedience and Subjection

Scout

The online version of Section 1: Chapter 9 is available here:
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/kempis/imitation.ONE.9.html

**Shoshana** · #2 Aug 17, '05, 6:32 pm

I find being obedient to my spiritual director (a 20+ year process) very much liberating. Although I can assure you, it wasn't like that at the beginning!

I had issues that needed ironing out and by the grace of God, see the wisdom of this statement.

I am also obedient to my pastor.

This doesn't take away the fact that there is room for discussion if we see things differently. But in the end, I am obedient....always!

Just think it only took over a decade!

WanderAimlessly · #3 Aug 17, '05, 7:06 pm

Submission to God and to be obedient to is Word.

In today’s world that is to be scorned. Everyone wants to be their own master. However, I see that scorn as the reason for so much strife in the world and in people’s personal lives. For me personally, I can see that now. I have been resisting God’s call for more for far too long. I considered my self a free spirit; a wild card in life.

We must turn back to God, but not reject this world. We must show our obedience to God as a light to the world. How it is not bad, but is for the betterment of not only oneself, but for the whole world. For only them will we find true happiness and peace.

This obedience and submission also means admitting that we do not know everything, especially when it comes to God. In this case, we need to seek the counsel of others who are wiser in this area. Whether it be a priest, spiritual director, or a superior in a religious order, we must be open to their advice to improve ourselves.

PF

Giannawannabe · #4 Aug 18, '05, 6:51 am

Dreams of happiness expected from change and different places have deceived many.

How often have I thought "if only I could move here or do this or that instead", then I would be happy. God calls us to be happy with our station in life. Internal change will bring happiness, not external change.

Quaere Verum · #5 Aug 19, '05, 5:13 pm

Kempis states,
"Go where you may, you will find no rest except in humble obedience to the rule of authority."

I try to accept & follow the authority of the Church. However, sometimes, in daily life I wish for more guidance in decision making. It's frustrating to say the least when you follow the authority but find yourself floundering on what seem to be important areas of your life. So, yes Kempis makes sense but I don't know if I've necessarily found rest; maybe it's trust & accepting God's timing that I have problems with.

Ana_Reus · #6 Aug 19, '05, 10:02 pm

I am struggling with this obedience thing. I have a hard time doing it. You see. Saint Teresa de Avila is my saint. And I read her books. And obedience is something that she stresses. So I try to do what my confessor tells me to do, but it is difficult. But I really want to. I just find it hard. I guess I have a very rebellious nature.

By the way, I have only been catholic since April 10, 2004. I am a convert.

antiaphrodite · #7 Aug 20, '05, 4:24 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ana_Reus

I am struggling with this obedience thing. I have a hard time doing it. You see. Saint Teresa de Avila is my saint. And I read her books. And obedience is something that she stresses. So I try to do what my confessor tells me to do, but it is difficult. But I really want to. I just find it hard. I guess I have a very rebellious nature.

By the way, I have only been catholic since April 10, 2004. I am a convert.

welcome home, ana_reus!!!!!!!!!

antiaphrodite · #8 Aug 20, '05, 4:29 am

Furthermore, who is so wise that he can have full knowledge of everything?

nobody--including me.

**Shoshana** · #9 Aug 20, '05, 6:54 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ana_Reus

I am struggling with this obedience thing. I have a hard time doing it. You see. Saint Teresa de Avila is my saint. And I read her books. And obedience is something that she stresses. So I try to do what my confessor tells me to do, but it is difficult. But I really want to. I just find it hard. I guess I have a very rebellious nature.

By the way, I have only been catholic since April 10, 2004. I am a convert.

[PHP][/PHP]

Welcome home Ana_Reus! God bless toaday and every day with his love and gentleness!

I doubt highly that you have a rebellious nature. The whole obedience thing just seems so out of touch when we are adults. Finding obedience hard is only human...That being said, just ask our Lord and our Lady to help you with this and the grace will come....

Obedience is highly regarded by both as Jesus became perfect by death on a cross and our Lady said 'let it be done to me according to Your will.'

And just practise the virtue....and the more you do the more you will be able to. If you fall, pick yourself up and continue 'the race'.

May the Lord bless you for your continued effort...

Ana_Reus · #10 Aug 21, '05, 8:27 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by antiaphrodite

welcome home, ana_reus!!!!!!!!!

Thank you very much.

Ana

Ana_Reus · #11 Aug 21, '05, 9:09 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shoshana

[PHP][/PHP]

Welcome home Ana_Reus! God bless toaday and every day with his love and gentleness!

I doubt highly that you have a rebellious nature. The whole obedience thing just seems so out of touch when we are adults. Finding obedience hard is only human...That being said, just ask our Lord and our Lady to help you with this and the grace will come....

Obedience is highly regarded by both as Jesus became perfect by death on a cross and our Lady said 'let it be done to me according to Your will.'

And just practise the virtue....and the more you do the more you will be able to. If you fall, pick yourself up and continue 'the race'.

May the Lord bless you for your continued effort...

Thank-you for the encouragement.

**Edwin1961** · #12 Aug 22, '05, 2:04 pm

Therefore, listen to the opinions of others and do not trust too much to your own point of view. Perhaps you are right, but by setting aside your own will and following another out of love for God, you will profit by it.

I'm I right here? Here goes....
Since the Holy Spirit does act through others when they speak, so we should get points of opinion from others first, then pray toGod about it and then act upon it.

antiaphrodite · #13 Aug 27, '05, 6:26 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ana_Reus

Thank you very much.

Ana

you're welcome!!!

Jim95437 · #14 Nov 5, '05, 10:02 am

Do not trust too much in your own opinions, but be willing to listen to those of others. If, though your own be good, you accept another’s opinion for love of God, you will gain much more merit; for I have often heard that it is safer to listen to advice and take it than to give it.

I had to read and reread this section for a long time. My parents died when I was young and I'm married and have children and grandchildren. The local Priest changes every five years, so having a continual spiritual advisor has not been available. I think of Jesus as my spiritual advisor and it is comforting to have a prayer group.

Pilgrim525 · #15 Sep 20, '06, 7:14 pm

IT IS a very great thing to obey, to live under a superior and not to be one’s own master, for it is much safer to be subject than it is to command.

From the time I started to be active in our parish, I learned to obey. I find it so easy to obey because I'd always ask God to manifest His will for me through my leaders and superiors. Whenever I needed to make a decision, I would always ask God to manifest His will through my superior and my leaders. It's not really difficult if you have that kind of perspective.

Cheers!
pilgrim